The WBENC Women of Color Incubator is a premier program for aspiring entrepreneurs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, offering the resources, community, and support needed to turn ideas into thriving ventures. This transformative program goes beyond traditional support, fostering creativity, resilience, and ambition while inspiring future innovators.
The curriculum guides participants through every stage of their entrepreneurial journey, from refining ideas and mastering financial strategies to building prototypes and launching ventures. The program culminated in an exciting Pitch Competition, awarding seed capital and all-expenses-paid trips to the 2025 WBENC National Conference in New Orleans, connecting winners with a network of over 4,000 attendees.
The WOC Incubator Pitch Competition at Florida A&M University, brought to you by Allstate, was a dynamic showcase of the university’s brightest entrepreneurial talent. We are excited to highlight the three outstanding winners in this article and explore their innovative business ventures.
Pitch Competition Award Winner: Tyjah Tuggle│The KOTK Writing Co.
The KOTK Writing Company was born from a desire to create a tool that integrates faith, intentionality, and daily organization. Our flagship product, the KOTK Planning Journal, is a 3-in-1 devotional, planner, and journal designed to help people connect with God daily while organizing their lives with purpose. Inspired by my own journey of wanting a resource that could guide both my spiritual growth and practical day-to-day planning, the journal combines monthly devotionals centered on themes like grace and purpose, daily planning pages with 30-minute time blocks, gratitude and prayer sections, and reflective journaling prompts. Each page also includes a unique “daily dose” of inspiration through Bible verses, affirmations, or motivational quotes.
At The KOTK Writing Company, our mission is to equip believers with tools that help them stay intentional and rooted in their faith. We’re not just about planning—we’re about purpose. Through our products, we aim to inspire others to live intentionally, walk closely with God, and steward their time effectively while building a supportive community of believers.
Q: What inspired you to start your business?
The inspiration for The KOTK Writing Company came straight from God and His hand on my life. I was in a really low place—feeling down, depressed, and like my life had no direction or purpose. But God stepped in and gave me a new identity as a Kid of His Kingdom. That completely changed everything for me. As I started to lean into Him and tell Him about my dreams, I found myself wishing for a tool that would help me connect with Him daily while still staying on top of my busy life.
That’s when God put this idea on my heart. He didn’t just give me the vision for the company—He gave me the courage and clarity to make it happen. The KOTK Planning Journal is the tool I wish I’d had back then, and now it’s something I get to share with others. It’s all about helping people walk with God, plan their lives intentionally, and live with purpose.
Q: What challenges are you facing building your business, and how are you overcoming them?
One of the biggest challenges I’m facing in building my business is navigating the supply chain and finding the right vendors who can provide the highest quality materials at the lowest cost. Since this is my first product, there’s been a learning curve in figuring out how to balance quality and affordability without compromising on the vision I have for the journal.
I’m overcoming this challenge through a lot of prayer and leaning on God for guidance. I’ve also been intentional about reaching out to mentors who have experience with similar products. Their advice and connections have been invaluable in helping me make informed decisions and stay on track. It’s been a humbling process, but I’m trusting God to open the right doors and provide exactly what I need to make this dream a reality.
Q: How has being part of the WOC Incubator influenced your approach to entrepreneurship and innovation?
Being part of the WOC Incubator has been an absolute game-changer for me as an entrepreneur. It’s given me access to a community of incredible women who inspire and challenge me to think bigger and more strategically about my business. Through the program, I’ve gained valuable insights on how to refine my approach to innovation, especially in creating a product that truly meets the needs of my audience while staying true to my mission.
The mentorship and resources provided have also pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and think more critically about the long-term impact of my business. I’ve learned the importance of aligning purpose with profitability and building a brand that not only serves customers but also inspires them. The WOC Incubator has been a reminder that I’m not alone on this journey and that with the right support and determination, I can bring my vision to life in a way that honors God and serves others.
Q: What key elements do you think made your pitch stand out?
I believe what made my pitch stand out was my personality and genuine passion for my product. The judges could see that I poured my heart and soul into this journal, and that it wasn’t just a business idea—it’s something deeply personal to me. I think my excitement and belief in the impact this product can have on others really shined through.
I was also well-prepared and confident in my presentation. I knew my facts, from the target audience to the business model, but more importantly, I was clear about my “why.” Sharing the story behind my journey and how this product was inspired by my own need for a tool to connect with God daily while managing life helped me connect with the judges on a deeper level. It was more than just a pitch—it was a reflection of my purpose.
Business Innovation Winner: Bianca Plancher│CakedUp
CakedUp is a custom baking business that specializes in creating beautifully designed cakes and desserts for all occasions. We combine creativity and quality to craft unique treats that are as delicious as they are stunning. From birthdays and weddings to corporate events, we bring your vision to life with personalized designs and exceptional flavors. At CakedUp, we make every celebration sweeter!
Q: What inspired you to start your business?
I’ve been passionate about baking for as long as I can remember. From playing with my Easy-Bake Oven as a kid to using a KitchenAid mixer by the time I was 12, I always knew baking was my calling. During my second year of school, my creative drive led me to dust off my mixer, which had been sitting untouched for years, and dive back into baking. I poured countless hours into experimenting with unique flavors and honing my skills, and that dedication has brought me to where I am today.
Q: What key lessons did you learn from the mentors and peers you met during the WOC Incubator?
During my time in the incubator, I gained many valuable insights that have shaped my business journey. The session leaders taught me how to calculate expenses effectively, and I even developed an entirely new idea that I plan to pursue in the future. My peers were equally inspiring, motivating me to take the next steps by certifying my business, establishing an LLC, and setting up business accounts.
Q: Where do you see yourself in one year? How about 5 years?
In one year, I see myself graduating from school, starting grad school, and beginning my full-time career. In five years, I envision myself advancing in my career while continuing to grow my baking business. By then, I hope to be in the process of developing, or possibly even launching, my own line of boxed cake mixes.
Q: How has being part of the WOC Incubator influenced your approach to entrepreneurship and innovation?
Being part of the WOC Incubator has completely transformed my approach to entrepreneurship and innovation. The program provided me with practical tools, like understanding how to manage expenses, and pushed me to think more strategically about my business. I’ve gained the confidence to formalize my operations by certifying my business, setting up an LLC, and opening business accounts.
The experience also inspired me to think bigger, fueling my creativity to develop new ideas, including future product lines. Most importantly, being surrounded by inspiring women of color showed me the power of community and collaboration in entrepreneurship.
Audience Choice: Zayda Greene│brAIn
brAIn an AI consulting business assists businesses in adopting AI to streamline operations.Through personalized consultations, brAIn identifies areas where AI can alleviate workload in areas of finance, writing, and marketing enabling companies and entrepreneurs to focus on their people, and core values. brAIn will eventually evolve into an app or website so consumers have a tangible tool to help users navigate the vast array of AI tools available today.
The platform features an AI matchmaking system that evaluates users’ specific needs and suggests two software options tailored to those requirements. Each AI tool comes with pre-recorded tutorials and training modules, ensuring users can fully utilize and maximize the potential of the software. By combining personalized AI recommendations with practical training, the platform builds user confidence and makes AI integration smoother.
What truly sets this platform apart is its focus on empowering users with knowledge, and featuring a human like AI avatar mimicking human persona and my expansive knowledge about AI to give human connection online. brAIn is here so your time can be spent on what only you can do.
Q: What inspired you to start your business?
I first got the idea for my product/service when I was working with my uncle, who was running a grant-writing business, and noticed how much time he and his team spent on repetitive tasks like writing and formatting grants and creating internal business content. It made me realize that companies like his, and others I’ve worked with, we’re dedicating so much time to tasks that could be streamlined or completed using AI tools, leaving them with less time for the human connections and strategic thinking. So I showed his grant writing company on how to use AI to transform their grant writing workflow. Now they produce at least 100 grants monthly and have secured more than $1 million in funding for themselves and other small businesses. This success along with other experiences utilizing AI to assist business innovate is what inspired me to start brAIn.
Q: What advice would you give to other female founders just starting their business?
When starting your business, take the time to thoroughly analyze your target market, consider every cost, including small ones like trademarking, and evaluate whether your idea meets a lasting need or just follows a temporary trend.
Understand that success doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s okay to take your time; each step builds upon the last, and returning with a clear mind allows for meaningful improvements.
Over time, you’ll establish a solid foundation and flow for your business. If you pitch your idea and don’t get the desired results, don’t let that stop you, rejection is part of the process, not the end. Remember, many billionaires were turned down countless times before their breakthrough, so that just means your business is that billion dollar business that needs to be pruned before it blossoms.
Q: What was the biggest risk you took in your pitch, and how did it pay off?
My biggest risk was practicing my pitch with a coach who signaled me to slow down, but during the actual pitch, the signal threw me off and affected my performance. It didn’t pay off positively in the moment, but with a clear mind, I realized it was a valuable lesson. I learned the importance of staying poised and adapting to distractions seamlessly. Now, handling unexpected interruptions is just another skill I’m committed to mastering.
Q: What’s next for you and your business?
Next for my business, I’m focused on officially launching brAIn, refining our offerings, and expanding our reach to college students and businesses. I plan to trademark the name and start securing funding by applying to the $100,000 TMCF Pitch Competition while also seeking other opportunities. Additionally, I’m looking for conferences where I can speak about my business to gain exposure and credibility. My ultimate goal is to establish brAIn as a go-to resource for AI adoption and training, ensuring accessibility and practical implementation for everyday use.
